Hodge to stake his Test claim

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VICTORIAN batsman Brad Hodge hopes to use the Bushrangers'
limited-overs practice against Shaun Pollock's World XI today to
improve his chances of making his Test debut for Australia in the
Super Series match in Sydney in 12 days.

Hodge will lead the state side's batting on the season's first
pitch at the Junction Oval against an ominous World XI attack that
includes Shoaib Akhtar, Makhaya Ntini, Muttiah Muralitharan and
Pollock.

Having sat through the Ashes series as an uncapped member of the
beaten Australian squad, and endured a testing Australia A tour of
Pakistan immediately afterwards, Hodge is pleased to be home and is
anxious to spend quality time in the middle.

He was recently named to replace the dumped Damien Martyn in the
13-man Australian squad for the six-day Test against the World XI,
and his sights are set on October 14 and a baggy-green cap at the
SCG.

"I'm just going to play (today) as if I'm going to play in that
game," he said. "If I happen to play, it's great, if I don't then
I'm in exactly the same position as I have been for the past 16
months."

Although he has been picked to replace a No. 4 batsman, Hodge
may be squeezed out of the Test if the selectors opt for
all-rounder Shane Watson to prop-up a pace attack that may be
weakened by the selection of two leg spinners.

"I'm quite confident I'll play in that game, but you're never
sure until you're actually presented with the cap on the day," he
said.

"I think I'm in a better situation to play with the exit of
Damien Martyn. I think that's definitely going to help my cause.
We're very similar players."

Hodge is excited about playing against the world's best today.
"I guess there'll be a bit of nerves, with the likes of Akhtar
playing. He's a genuine quick bowler, so he certainly gets you
excited."

It is believed the teams have agreed that the World XI will bat
first today.